Who We Are

We are a faith-based group with a mission to care for those experiencing homelessness for approximately six to eight months out of the year in Chesapeake, VA. Churches, with help from community groups, make our CAST season successful. Many of our volunteers are grateful for CAST as a tool for them to do “Local Missions.” With hosting taking place in local church buildings or at the Chesapeake Cares Resource Center by churches or community groups, there are opportunities for spiritual conversations to occur with our guests. The Gospel Message is openly shared by many volunteers, as they so choose. (Matthew 28:19, John 3:16, John 14:6)

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide consistent, safe, and accessible shelter for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Chesapeake, VA. Through partnerships with local churches, the City of Chesapeake, and community organizations, we ensure every guest is treated with dignity and compassion while having access to support that fosters hope and long-term stability.

**Abba List is a 501(c)3 non-profit organized to support programs that benefit people in need. CAST is the primary expression of this work.**

Real Stories from
our Founder

The Story Behind CAST and the Power of Saying Yes

What began as a single God-prompted moment in November 2012 became something far bigger than anyone imagined. In the cold of winter, churches came together, doors opened, and lives were changed. Along the way there were doubts, obstacles, and voices saying it could not be done. Yet provision showed up every time it was needed. This is the story of how CAST was born, how a community rallied, and what can happen when faith turns into action. Read the full story here.

Trudy Rauch

3 min read

We Need a Bus - A Story of Provision, Prayer, and Trust

We Needed a Bus After that first CAST season, we quickly realized something important. We had outgrown our church bus. As with so many things in CAST, I prayed. Then I became overwhelmed. There were so many details to manage: mats, blankets, laundering, disinfecting, screening processes, and now transportation. The bus became the thing I kept saying out loud to anyone who would listen. We need a bus. One night, I prayed deeply and honestly. I wrestled through the weight of le

Trudy Rauch

2 min read

What’s My Name?

During the first season of CAST, I met Horace, a man whose smile, stories, and voice left a lasting mark. One night, he looked at me and asked, “What’s my name?” What followed was a moment that reshaped how I see dignity, memory, and the importance of truly seeing the people in front of us. This is a story about being known, being remembered, and the sacred weight of a name.

Trudy Rauch

3 min read

What We Do & Why

We are intentional about showing guests in need that we care about them. Many say, “God uses us as His Hands and Feet” and “God has blessed our church, and we want to share what we have with our guests.” Thus, we strive to provide food and shelter in a safe environment.

The Church has its responsibilities as outlined in the Bible, such as caring for the poor. We all need Christ. Yet, the government is not expected to show Christ to the poor, for that is the role of the Church. The Church must be intentional in its duty to give food and lodging to the poor and to share Christ with them. (Luke 14: 12-14)

How We Operate

Various Chesapeake churches or community organizations take turns hosting our guests for one week per season, either at their location or at the new Chesapeake Cares Resource Center (CCRC). The week begins on a Wednesday evening and ends the following Wednesday morning. Some host for multiple weeks with the typical season running from November 26th to April 21st. We are also in the planning stages of expanding CAST to a year round model. Contact us if your church or community organization would like to host a week in July or August.

Transportation is provided for guests each evening from the Chesapeake Cares Resource Center to the host site for the evening, as needed (**Most hosts now operate from the CCRC, so no bus in needed**). Transportation is also provided early the next morning and provides a return trip to the CCRC after breakfast. A second noon time return trip may be available for guests who stay for Sunday morning worship.

CAST provides blankets and mats for guests to utilize during their stay. The hosting church or community organization provides supper, breakfast, and grab-and-go lunch items.

Together We Make
A Difference

Thank you to the Chesapeake community of churches for hosting the CAST (Chesapeake Area Shelter Team) overnight winter shelter program for homeless men, women, and families. The 2025-2026 winter season marks the 15th year that CAST has provided shelter to the homeless. We serve over 500 guests each year.

Thank you to the CAST Coordinators at each church, along with their congregation and many community partners, that provide our homeless guests a safe and warm place to rest, eat, and gain resource information.

Special thanks to Shared Hospital Services for cleaning the blankets all thru the CAST sheltering season!